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With a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, Rohit Sharma-led Team India is taking on Jos Buttler’s England in the second ODI at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on February 9. As the two captains walked out for the toss, Buttler once again emerged victorious and opted to bat first. The hosts put up a clinical performance in Nagpur, winning the opening match by four wickets, courtesy of an all-round effort from the batting and bowling units. Meanwhile, England, despite showing glimpses of promise in the first game, fell short and now faces a must-win situation to keep the series alive
Reason behind Kuldeep Yadav and Yashasvi Jaiswal
India have tweaked its lineup, with Virat Kohli making a return to the playing XI in place of Yashasvi Jaiswal, while Varun Chakravarthy replaces Kuldeep Yadav, who has been rested. Kohli’s comeback adds immense experience to India’s top order, while Chakravarthy’s inclusion provides a fresh spin option on what is expected to be a slow, black soil pitch in Cuttack. With both teams making tactical changes, the battle between bat and ball promises to be an intriguing one.
Indian skipper Rohit expressed confidence in his team’s performance after the opening match, emphasizing the energy and positive intent shown by the players. He specifically lauded Shreyas Iyer’s aggressive approach, which was instrumental in steadying the innings after early setbacks. Shubman Gill and Axar Patel’s crucial contributions in the middle order further showcased India’s depth and adaptability in run chases.
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“I am happy with India’s performance in the last game, but shifts focus to this one pretty quickly. I loved the energy of his team in the field despite some of the long-format players not being active recently. Shreyas and Shubman’s counterattack in the first ODI was superb to watch. Shreyas prides himself on that and that is how he wants to play and that helps the team. Looks a typical Indian pitch to me, it’s a black soil surface, and it will get slower and slower (and lower too). Two changes, Jaiswal misses out in place of Virat. Kuldeep rested, Varun debuts,” Rohit said.
England’s strategy: Aiming for redemption and series revival
Meanwhile, Buttler’s decision reflected a strategic shift after their struggles in the first ODI, where batting second proved difficult against India’s disciplined bowling attack. The England skipper has made three major changes to the playing XI, bringing in Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, and Jamie Overton to strengthen the pace department. Wood’s express pace, combined with Atkinson’s accuracy and Overton’s ability to extract bounce, is expected to add much-needed firepower to England’s bowling attack.
